We Have
Always
Lived in the
Castle
Shirley Jackson
Features of Gothic
Novels
Elements are combined to create a
distinctive mood and themes that define
Gothic literature,
It is a compelling genre that explores the
darker aspects of the human experience.
Setting
Old, Decaying Structures
Castles, mansions, monasteries,
and other ancient buildings often
in a state of decay.
Remote Locations
Isolated places like moors,
forests, and mountain regions,
creating a sense of separation
from the everyday world.
Atmospher
e
Mood of Mystery and
Suspense
Created through an ominous
setting, unexplained events, and
secrets.
Supernatural Elements
Ghosts, curses, and other
paranormal phenomena that blur
the line between reality and the
supernatural.
Characters
A brooding, complex
protagonist, often with a
troubled past or dark
secrets.
A Damsel in Distress - A
vulnerable woman facing
peril, needing rescue from
an ominous force or person.
Villains - Dark, menacing
figures, often with a
mysterious or evil past
Themes
Isolation
Physical and emotional
isolation of characters,
often reflecting their
internal struggles.
Madness
Exploration of mental instability
and descent into insanity.
Forbidden
Knowledge
The quest for knowledge
that leads to disastrous
consequences.
Plot
Mystery and Intrigue
Complex plots with twists,
hidden identities, and
secrets to unravel.
Romance
Often tragic or doomed,
adding to the emotional
intensity.
Terror and Horror
Evoking fear through the
unknown and the grotesque
Symbolism
Darkness and Light
Contrasts used to symbolize
good and evil, knowledge and
ignorance.
Decay and Ruin
Representing moral and societal
decline.
Weather
Storms, fog, and other weather
conditions used to enhance the
eerie atmosphere.
Descriptive Language
Rich, detailed descriptions to
create vivid imagery and evoke
Writing Style emotions.
First-Person Narration
Often used to convey a sense of
personal involvement and
unreliability.
Social Commentary
Critique of Society
Reflection on societal norms, class
structure, and human nature, often
highlighting hypocrisy and corruption.
Examples of Gothic
Novels
Examples of Gothic Novels
• "Frankenstein" by Mary
Shelley
• "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
• "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte
Brontë
• "Wuthering Heights" by
Emily Brontë
• "The Turn of the Screw" by
Henry James
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
